A NOVEL form of storytelling is bringing people’s stories to life at Rugby Library this weekend.
Warwickshire County Council’s libraries service is inviting the public to step into the world of Human Books – people who have volunteered to share their stories with others, telling their narratives in ways that can inspire, enlighten and challenge.
Vistitors to the library will learn about a stranger’s life, their journey, and lessons learnt along the way in just 20 minutes.
The Human Books event will cover a wide range of topics, from stories about resilience in the face of adversity to reflections on mental health, homelessness, and navigating familial expectations.
Coun Yousef Dahmash, Warwickshire County Council’s spokesman for Customer and Transformation, said: “In a society where we have more and more digital connections, it’s great to see an initiative that brings people together in such a meaningful way in person, capturing empathy, understanding, and community spirit through the power of storytelling.
“This is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone in a welcoming space to engage with new and diverse perspectives, and I encourage everyone to attend to help foster a deeper understanding of each other within our local communities”.
The Human Book event is being delivered as part of the council’s work to support Refugee Week, which takes place from June 17-24. The theme of Refugee Week this year is “Our Home” and encourages everyone to reflect on the meaning of home, from our local communities to our shared global environment.
The event is open to readers aged 18 and above, with some stories expected to cover challenging experiences. Attendees will be encouraged to browse through the available Human Book titles and synopses carefully before selecting their preferred book.
It takes place at Rugby Library on Saturday (May 18) from 4:30 to 6:30pm.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/382cxmpe for more information, and to secure a free place at the event.
A second Human Book event is due to take place at Stratford Library on Tuesday June 18.
